The DU Club Volleyball team participated in the Collegiate Club Volleyball Championships on April 8 and 9 in Louisville, Kentucky. The games were played at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center. Denver finished No. 13 in the field.
Freshman Clair Hoette played in the matches at nationals and felt that the team could have played a bit better.
“I think our team was kind of in the middle for nationals. We had a lot of fun and had moments of playing really well, but I think we all know our team is capable of doing better,” she said. “It would be safe to say that none of us were satisfied with how it ended because we know we could have gone farther. But, I think this year helped us prepare to work harder for our team to reach the potential we know it has for next year.”
It was an exciting week for the program, as they were not only able to travel to Kentucky, but also saw head coach Ann Miklus recognized as Division II Coach of the Year.
Club president and junior Ally Blick has enjoyed her time under the tutelage of coach Miklus and acknowledged the coach’s impending departure.
“Our coach has been an integral part of our success as a team this year. She has not only improved our volleyball skills, but has also been a mentor for me the past three years,” said Blick. “Although we are all sad to see her go next year, I am sure that the life lessons she has taught us will stick and we will always be able to count on her as a resource and friend.”
The team practices twice per week in each of the fall, winter and spring quarters and is open to all female students. Tryouts are held annually in the fall. The team plays league and intercollegiate games on weekends throughout the entire school year.
Benefits of playing on the club team expand well beyond just the practices and games, freshman player Montana Baker believes.
“I would recommend someone to join club volleyball because of the close friends you make. I’ve found some of my closest friends on the team and we love to hang out outside of volleyball,” said Baker. “Also, you see so many amazing cities while traveling to tournaments with your team. The DU Club Volleyball team is definitely one of the smaller known clubs, and with the talent we had on the team this year, we went farther at nationals than any other DU club volleyball team before.”
The team is now looking towards next season and improving upon a strong 2015-16 performance.
